Place of birth La Porte, Texas 1967–1972 Minnesota Vikings Name Gene Washington Height 1.91 m Education Michigan State University | College Michigan State 1973–1974 Denver Broncos Role American football player Weight 94 kg Positions Wide receiver | |
Date of birth (1944-11-23) November 23, 1944 (age 71) NFL draft 1967 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8 | ||
Eugene Washington (born January 25, 1944) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He played for the Minnesota Vikings (1967–1972) and the Denver Broncos (1973–1974). He wore #84 for Minnesota and Denver.
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College career
A big 6'3", 208 lbs receiver with great speed, he ran track as well as playing football for the Michigan State Spartans.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Professional career
He was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1967 NFL Draft, along with college teammate, running back Clinton Jones and future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Alan Page, a defensive end from the University of Notre Dame. As a rookie, Washington averaged 29.5 yards per reception. In 1968 he caught 46 passes. In 1969 he had 821 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Washington made the Pro Bowl in 1969 and 1970. He played in Super Bowl IV (1 catch for 9 yards) after the 1969 NFL season. The Vikings were upset by the Kansas City Chiefs, 23-7, on January 11, 1970 at Tulane Stadium, in New Orleans.